George Alexander Tsakumis

It is with profound sadness that we mourn the loss of George Tsakumis: loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. His 91 years were filled with kindness, decency, accomplishment and an immense love for his family.

He was born to humble beginnings in Managouli, Greece on October 16th, 1932, to Alexander George Tsakumis and Katherine Pappajohn. The first of six boys that survived the strife of those years, his was an early life marked by challenge. At twelve years old, he was captured by rebel fighters. After several weeks, he manged to escape and returned home to be reunited with his family. Following high school graduation, he served two years in military intelligence. He then decided to follow his dream of leaving for North America, specifically Vancouver, where his father had previously set down roots.

Upon arriving in Vancouver in 1957, he joined his brother Peter and soon began to bring over their brothers Bill, Nick and finally Ted. After beginning as a dishwasher, George was elevated to pie-maker at Hy's Restaurant, and eventually promoted to day-manager.

Not satisfied with working for someone else, George founded Mr. Jake's Restaurants, making his brothers partners, and thus began one of the most successful restaurant chains in BC history. After seven successful steakhouse locations, he ensured that all were anchored by their real estate. That began an extraordinary foray into the real estate business that he celebrated til the day he died.

When George was appointed Vice-Consul and Trade Commissioner of Greece for Western Canada in 1979, he began a career in the diplomatic corps which spanned almost two decades, serving five Greek Prime Ministers and working with three Canadian Prime Ministers.

In his latter years, George concentrated on philanthropy. He was proud to receive both the Medal of St. Paul from his church and Greek government and the Medal of Freedom from the Government of Cyprus. He was also an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarch, made so in 1977 by his great friend His Eminence Iakovos, then Archbishop of North and South America. Additionally, George was a proud Rotarian for 30 years, both in Canada and the United States and was made a Paul Harris Fellow, retiring in 2015.

George is survived by his beloved wife of almost 60 years, Efrossyni, his loving children, son Alexander (Maryanna), daughter Katherine (Christopher), daughter Ellen (George) and daughter Sandra (Anthony), as well as nine adored grandchildren, four brothers with their families, dozens of other relatives, numerous friends and admirers.

He is predeceased by his parents and beloved brother Peter.

His children, in particular, would like to thank their mother, whose selflessness and loving care extended George's life for many years. Hers was a dedication like no other.

A funeral to honor George's life will be held at 11am on Thursday September 12, 2024 in St. George's Cathedral 4500 Arbutus Street, Vancouver, BC. Officiant: Bishop Athenagoras of Patara (Toronto). Assisted by: Rev. Fthrs George Despotov, Tim Prattas and Nicolas Sideras.

In lieu of flowers, please make your donations to the Hellenic Community of Vancouver. [email protected] or call (604) 266-7148.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MountPleasantFuneral.com for the Tsakumis family.